Speedwell residents tell Claiborne County commissioners quarry blasting has damaged homes and water lines

Two residents from Speedwell told the Claiborne County Commission on June 27 that heavy blasting at a nearby rock quarry operated by the Rogers Group has caused damage to houses and water service and raised fears of air- and water-quality impacts.

Gary Mayes and Michael Livesay addressed the commission during the public-comment portion, saying blasting has damaged residents’ homes and water lines and expressing concern about pollution in air and water supplies. County Attorney Estep told the speakers that enforcement and regulatory authority in such matters typically rest with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and with state legislative authority, and that the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) may investigate mining-safety issues; Estep also said aggrieved residents may seek restitution through civil action. No formal county action was taken at the meeting.

The residents said they had contacted the Tennessee State Fire Marshal’s Office for information about blasting protocols and that a federal mine-safety office had indicated it would send an investigator. Commissioners did not vote or direct county staff to take enforcement action; County Attorney Estep recommended pursuing agency-level complaints and civil remedies.

The commission did not vote on the matter at the June 27 meeting. Residents pursuing remediation may need to file complaints with state agencies or seek counsel for civil claims; Claiborne County officials noted that certain regulatory and enforcement activities lie outside the commission’s direct authority.